The midway amusement area will return to the Wisconsin State Fair next year.

The Wisconsin State Fair Park Board made the decision Friday at a board meeting. West Allis police and other officials had questioned whether it was wise to bring the midway back next year after some fairgoers were beaten by youths on the first night of the fair this year. The violence began in the vicinity of the midway.

"A significant number of families and fairgoers make visiting the amusement ride area a large part of their trip to the Wisconsin State Fair each year. We plan to offer this traditional form of entertainment and enjoyment as part of our fair for years to come," John Yingling, the board's chairman, said in a statement.

"This is a great decision by the board," added Rick Frenette, the fair's executive director.

The board also decided that, beginning next year, fair officials will directly manage ride, games and food operations in the amusement area.

Fair officials reason that a fair-managed midway area will give them the freedom to establish working relationships with different vendors for rides, games, and concessions. That will be better for consumers, Frenette said.

"We have placed a much greater emphasis on the guest experience in recent years," Frenette said. "The additional seating and new shaded areas at the 2011 fair were one element of that. For 2012, fairgoers will not only see the return of the amusement ride area but will see all new rides and attractions."

In the past, the fair would contract with one vendor for the midway, who would pay a flat fee. The new direction gives fair officials more options to bring in the best rides, attractions and concessions, he said.

The change also gives the fair an opportunity to generate more revenue.

The violence began in the midway area on the night of Aug. 4 when fights broke out among black youths. At closing time, an undetermined number of black youths attacked white fairgoers as they left the grounds.

Despite the opening night of violence, the fair drew 911,231 visitors during its 11-day run, a 4% increase over the previous year. It was the first time in at least 10 years that more than 900,000 visitors came to the fair.